Dundee United captain Jon Daly will undergo a hernia operation on Thursday, which will keep him out of action for up to six weeks.
The Irishman has been forced to admit defeat in his bid to soldier on after being left physically unable to kick a football in recent days.
Daly has been playing through the pain barrier for months, but the problem has grown steadily worse over the past week.
He said, “I have been coping with it for months but it’s got to the stage where it needs dealt with. It’s not even the pain side of it I can handle that but it’s now stopping my movement.
“I was training the other day and couldn’t move for the ball. So that told me enough was enough. Obviously it’s not the best timing because we have such a busy schedule.
“I was hoping to get through those games and to the end of the season before addressing it, but it’s reached the stage where I just can’t go on with it. It’s frustrating for myself and for the manager because we don’t have too many options.
“They have told me it will be four to six weeks before I’m back, but obviously I’ll be pushing myself to return quicker. Hopefully I will get back as soon as possible and won’t miss too many matches.”
Up front United will now be left with only top scorer David Goodwillie and youngsters Johnny Russell and Andis Shala to select from over the next few weeks, but Daly believes the pair are ready to step into the breach.
He said, “Johnny has done really well when he’s come in, and Andis Shala has been chomping at the bit. It gives someone else a chance to make their mark on the team.”BlowUnited boss Houston admitted Daly’s absence is a “huge blow” for United.
“Jon’s a tower of strength and helps David Goodwillie out up front.” he said. “It’s just the latest in a catalogue of injury disasters we’ve suffered this season.
“He’s been playing with it for a long time, but in the last week or so it has started to really affect his movement. He’s struggling to even run or kick the ball at the moment.
“We had hoped to get him through to the end of the season, but it has to be dealt with now. The last thing we’d want to do is wait until the summer and then have him missing the start of next year.”
United have a hectic schedule coming up, but Houston believes if they secure a top six place their match against Rangers will be rescheduled for after the split.
He said, “I think that’s what the SPL will be waiting to see, because that makes sense. At the moment we can schedule all our other fixtures, so hopefully that’s what will happen and it will prevent us from playing four times in a week.”
Meanwhile, Houston insists he has not made a move for Dundee midfielder Craig Forsyth.
The left-sided player has been linked with United and is also believed to be interesting Tayside rivals St Johnstone, but Houston is well equipped in that area of the park with the likes of Paul Dixon and Barry Douglas.
He said, “I’ve not spoken to him and have plenty of options on that side of the team already.”